Our Music Therapy Team

Megumi Azekawa, MM, MS, MTL, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist, Fellow
Music Therapy Coordinator
Megumi has become an integral part of the local music therapy scene for the past decade by passionately promoting public awareness about music therapy. As the music therapy coordinator for Ted Brown Music Outreach, she is excited to collaborate and create programs that fit each client’s unique needs. Megumi holds a Master of Music in music therapy from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Washington. She actively presents her music therapy expertise and clinical research at local, regional, and national levels. Megumi also has a deep interest in the neuroscience of music processing and loves to talk about it whenever she has an opportunity. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in nursing science at the University of Washington.
Through music, Megumi believes that everyone can reach their potential regardless of age and ability. Her music therapy approach is client/family-centered, customized to each individual’s needs, and uses evidence-based music therapy interventions. She draws from clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including neurorehabilitation, neurologically-diverse communities, mental health, military-connected communities, eldercare and more.
In her non-music therapy life, she enjoys time with family, venturing outdoors, reading mystery novels, and playing the saxophone in local ensembles.
Music Therapy Coordinator
Megumi has become an integral part of the local music therapy scene for the past decade by passionately promoting public awareness about music therapy. As the music therapy coordinator for Ted Brown Music Outreach, she is excited to collaborate and create programs that fit each client’s unique needs. Megumi holds a Master of Music in music therapy from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Washington. She actively presents her music therapy expertise and clinical research at local, regional, and national levels. Megumi also has a deep interest in the neuroscience of music processing and loves to talk about it whenever she has an opportunity. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in nursing science at the University of Washington.
Through music, Megumi believes that everyone can reach their potential regardless of age and ability. Her music therapy approach is client/family-centered, customized to each individual’s needs, and uses evidence-based music therapy interventions. She draws from clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including neurorehabilitation, neurologically-diverse communities, mental health, military-connected communities, eldercare and more.
In her non-music therapy life, she enjoys time with family, venturing outdoors, reading mystery novels, and playing the saxophone in local ensembles.

Ben Kendall, MTL, MT-BC
Senior Music Therapist
Hello! My name is Ben and I'm a music therapist at Ted Brown Music Outreach. I am offering music therapy services as well as adaptive music lessons in percussion and drum set.
In 2005 I found a passion for drumming that has been with me ever since. It was that passion paired with my expansive love for music that took me to Seattle Pacific University to study music therapy. Throughout my studies I was a member of Percussion Ensemble and took individual instruction from Prof. Dan Adams. I learned how to lead music therapy sessions and honed my skills in facilitating drum circles as well as playing guitar.
As a music therapist I have had the privilege of working with a several populations including people with mental health challenges, developmental delays, at-risk youth, and veterans. I am thrilled to be a part of the team at Ted Brown Music Outreach and I look forward to developing more music therapy opportunities in the community.
Outside of work I'm a husband, a father of two, and a member of the band, Pocket Giant. I love being outdoors, spending time with my kids, and going to concerts. The power that music can have in transforming people's lives frequently amazes me and I am honored to be in a position that can help with that.
Senior Music Therapist
Hello! My name is Ben and I'm a music therapist at Ted Brown Music Outreach. I am offering music therapy services as well as adaptive music lessons in percussion and drum set.
In 2005 I found a passion for drumming that has been with me ever since. It was that passion paired with my expansive love for music that took me to Seattle Pacific University to study music therapy. Throughout my studies I was a member of Percussion Ensemble and took individual instruction from Prof. Dan Adams. I learned how to lead music therapy sessions and honed my skills in facilitating drum circles as well as playing guitar.
As a music therapist I have had the privilege of working with a several populations including people with mental health challenges, developmental delays, at-risk youth, and veterans. I am thrilled to be a part of the team at Ted Brown Music Outreach and I look forward to developing more music therapy opportunities in the community.
Outside of work I'm a husband, a father of two, and a member of the band, Pocket Giant. I love being outdoors, spending time with my kids, and going to concerts. The power that music can have in transforming people's lives frequently amazes me and I am honored to be in a position that can help with that.

Maximo Mendizabal, MMT, MTL, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist
Music Therapist
I grew up in Olympia, Washington, where I was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and ideas, sparking my appreciation for diverse musical traditions. After earning a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from Western Washington University, I spent several years performing and working throughout the state and West Coast. Eventually, a combination of long conversations and chance events led me to make a move to New Orleans, LA.
That decision was a turning point. The city’s vibrant music scene and diverse cultural influences had a lasting impact on both my personal growth and my approach to therapy. I aim to bring that same sense of creativity, connection, and community to my work, helping my clients through music in meaningful ways.
Now back in the PNW, it’s a privilege to be part of the Ted Brown Music Outreach team and contribute to the community I grew up in. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their strengths, build coping strategies, and reach their goals at their own pace. Whether it’s improving focus, boosting confidence, or just enjoying the process of creativity, I adapt my approach to fit the individual needs of each person.
When I’m not working as a music therapist, you’ll find me playing music with friends and family, freelancing as a drummer and percussionist, building Lego, or learning about real-world mythology and lore of various fictional universes.
Music Therapist
I grew up in Olympia, Washington, where I was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and ideas, sparking my appreciation for diverse musical traditions. After earning a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from Western Washington University, I spent several years performing and working throughout the state and West Coast. Eventually, a combination of long conversations and chance events led me to make a move to New Orleans, LA.
That decision was a turning point. The city’s vibrant music scene and diverse cultural influences had a lasting impact on both my personal growth and my approach to therapy. I aim to bring that same sense of creativity, connection, and community to my work, helping my clients through music in meaningful ways.
Now back in the PNW, it’s a privilege to be part of the Ted Brown Music Outreach team and contribute to the community I grew up in. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their strengths, build coping strategies, and reach their goals at their own pace. Whether it’s improving focus, boosting confidence, or just enjoying the process of creativity, I adapt my approach to fit the individual needs of each person.
When I’m not working as a music therapist, you’ll find me playing music with friends and family, freelancing as a drummer and percussionist, building Lego, or learning about real-world mythology and lore of various fictional universes.